Stemilt joins forces with Dovex

Stemilt has become the leading deciduous fruit growing, packing and marketing operation in the US after joining forces with Dovex Fruit Company, according to a press release.

Under the deal, Dovex Marketing and Packing will be combined into Stemilt’s operations, with fruit from both companies marketed under the Stemilt label.

Stemilt will gain approximately 175,000 bins of fruit storage and a state-of-the-art apple packing facility as a result.

On the farming side, Dovex Orchards will become a grower for Stemilt, adding to the company’s growth in apples, pears, cherries, stone fruit and organics over the past decade.

“Stemilt has embarked on a strong pattern of growth over the past decade, and we are excited to continue this growth by bringing Dovex into our operations,” said West Mathison, Stemilt president, in a company press release.

“By integrating the strengths of our two companies, we look to continue delivering premium fruits to the marketplace, while extending the programmes and services we provide to our valued customers.”

Dovex’s operations neighbour Stemilt’s primary packing and shipping facility, Olds Station, and this close proximity of the two packing facilities is expected to drive continuity into Stemilt’s operations, according to Mr Mathison.

The combination with Dovex will also strengthen Stemilt’s leadership in Washington-grown conventional and organic apples and pears, according to the company.

“Stemilt already enjoys a strong leadership role in cherries, organic stonefruit and Wenatchee River Valley pears with its own manifest and through existing marketing partnerships with Douglas Fruit and Peshastin Hi-Up,” Mr Mathison explained.

Heading into the 2010 summer and fall harvests, Stemilt will operate an excess of 17,000 captive acres owned by the company and its marketing partners.

Additionally, Stemilt has welcomed Jay Fulbright, general manager of Dovex Fruit Company, to the group’s executive team.

Mauro Felizia, executive vice-president of Dovex Holding Company, also becomes a new member on Stemilt’s Board of Directors.

The Dovex Export Company will continue to function independently.

“Dovex Fruit Company is excited to join the marketing strengths of Stemilt and leverage the proximity of our facilities,” said Jay Fulbright, general manager at Dovex.